Biden Introduces "Relief-Plan" to COVID-19
A Step By Step Process To Make America Safe Again
President Joe Biden has recently introduced his own COVID-19 takedown strategy which involves smarter testing, quicker vaccinations, and all-around health equity.
Many twitter users posted their thoughts about Biden’s pledge, one tweet by Krutika Kuppalli read “how incredibly amazing is this! so wonderful to have a government that is based on science and experts and run by people who care!”, journalist Scott Dworkin tweeted about how Biden is “giving [him] hope”. Many other twitter users showed their appreciation and relief regarding Biden’s statement on using scientific evidence as the main role in his plan. It seems that Biden’s approach for tackling the virus – or easing its spread has given many Americans a vouch for hope as life could return to normal quicker than expected. Some of Biden’s plans include regular testing, monthly benefits for parents, the re-opening of both schools and universities and increasing tax credits.
Regular Testing
The plan is outlined to ensure that everyone in the US to be able to be tested regularly for the virus. Biden aims to have everyone in the US tested by increasing the amount of testing sites. In addition, he established a ‘Health Equity Task Force’ to safeguard people of colour.
In the US, statistics indicate Covid-19 is 2.8 times more likely to affect those who are Hispanic and Black, and also 2.6 times more likely to adversely affect those of Native American decent; rather than those who are Caucasian. The strategy lists ways to get the vaccines to high-risk groups - such as different ethnicities and races. $50 billion has been allocated to improving testing centres within the US, as well as a $20 billion to develop a national vaccination (campaign) in community centres and hiring workers to manage the shots to citizens.
Monthly Benefits for Parents
The democrats’ plan to give parents with kids under the age of 18 a year of monthly benefits worth around $250-$300, depending on their age. It provides a helping hand to parents, especially those who have been struggling with extra childcare duties due to school being closed – by reclaiming their annual tax bill for all their childcare expenses. The majority of the democrats have found this to be a worthy cause, although the details for the plan are apparently still in negotiation. This could be a very worthy cause for all parents in the US – especially for those with children under 18 as reclaiming their taxes would massively help them, as it would anyone.
Re-opening of Schools and Universities
Biden aims to send out around $500 million to every state, with additional funding, depending on the states un-employment rate. The plan has not received strong support from the Democratic party and thus may not come to fruition.
The re-opening of schools and universities, on the other hand, has seen a more rounded support from the party. The importance of a full education is a vital part of the sociological makeup within the U.S and it stands to reason that the U.S. government will do all it can to safely re-open schools and universities.
The money that will be provided (which is said to be $170 billion) – will allow schools and universities to buy the necessary PPE equipment to enable their students to safely attend class in person. The equipment includes face masks, gloves, school supplies such as cleaning products. This could widely benefit many US citizens as not only would students be able to re-enter school with safe precautious, parents will be able to work more efficiently and some could even go back to work.
A Temporary Increase In Tax Credits
One factor of Biden’s plan that has seen a significant push-back is the plan to increase tax credits temporarily. Biden plans to boost refundable Child Tax Credits to $3,600 for children under the age of 6, and $3k for those aged between 6-17, for the year. This part of the plan is a targeted support of low-income families.
Will the Plan Pass in Congress?
Although many people have shown their support for the plan via Twitter, Reddit and other social platforms, there are some who are not quite as convinced, claiming that the relief plan is not good enough. These people believe that some items within the plan should not be passed due to a fear it will negatively impact said individual, or certain items within the relief plan just won’t come to fruition due to their nature.
We’re yet to see which items will be passed through congress, and how efficiently those that do will aid the U.S public.
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